New bill proposed to help injured TX first responders

LUBBOCK, TX (KFDA) - Some area law enforcement officers have played a big role in the filing of a new state bill meant to better assist first responders who are hurt while on duty.

House Bill 1688 proposes a state liaison be established for first responders who need help with medical care and worker's compensation if they're harmed doing their jobs.

St. Rep. Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) reached out to lots of officers and their family members for input.

He believes a state liaison for injured law enforcement would help them through the insurance and medical filings necessary during their recovery process.

"I want to know somebody who actually has experience in this, who can help navigate our guys so when somebody is in the hospital on the first or second day after something bad has happened there's somebody there to kind of help them and guide them through the process," said Burrows. "[Someone] to make sure they're getting the things they need working and going through all of the different speed bumps there may be to getting better."

Sgt. Houston Gass with the Pampa Police Department was one of the people who helped Burrows shape this bill.